Introduction to Mobile Service in Japan

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Mobile Phone Service in Japan

In recent years, the number of companies offering mobile phone service in Japan has increased substantially, along with the variety of plans available. While not a comprehensive list by any means, the information listed below should serve as a good introduction.

The Big Three

Docomo, Softbank, and au are the three largest providers in Japan. They have very similar plans and costs, and generally require a two-year contract. The biggest advantage these providers offer is subsidized purchase of new mobile devices (through a monthly discount). Please find the price simulation for a new contract with the purchase of an iPhone 7 32GB model phone (as of November 10th, 2016) for comparison purposes.

Provider

Softbank

NTT Docomo

au

Monthly Cost

Unlimited Talk JPY 2,700+tax

S-Basic JPY 300+tax

5GB Data Plan JPY 5,000+tax

Device Fee JPY 3,670

Discount JPY 3,220

Total: JPY 9,090 (tax inclusive)

Unlimited Talk JPY 2,700+tax

Sp Mode JPY 300+tax

5GB Data Plan JPY 5,000+tax

Device Fee JPY 3,429

Discount JPY 2,322

Total: JPY 9,747 (tax inclusive)

Unlimited Talk JPY 2,700+tax

LTE Net JPY 300+tax

5GB Data Plan JPY 5,000+tax

Device Fee JPY 3,300

Discount JPY 2,850

Total: JPY 9,090 (tax inclusive)

Notes

Softbank tends to have the best English support.

English Customer Service: 0800-919-0157 (Toll Free)

Press “8” for English support

Docomo has good family plans for those requiring 3+ devices.

English Customer Service: 0120-005-250 (Toll Free)

English Customer Service: 0120-959-472 (Toll Free)

* Each provider offers an Unlimited Talk Lite option for JPY 1,700+tax/month, which allows unlimited calls until 5 minutes, and then charges for the talk time in excess of 5 minutes. Many people choose this option and then use VoIP services such as LINE or WhatsApp to avoid any calling charges.

* Data cap is for high-speed data. If you go over the cap, in general your speed is just reduced to 128kbps until the next monthly cycle. Some companies have the option to automatically charge for additional high-speed data, so please check the company policy of your provider when you make a contract.

* Monthly cost will change depending on the device chosen, the data plan chosen, and the talking plan chosen. Every effort has been taken for accuracy; however, please contact the companies directly for confirmed/updated costs.

* These providers offer SIM-unlock service for certain devices (generally those released from May 2015) after you have had a contract for a set length of time. Please confirm the applicable rules at time of device selection.

Y!mobile

Y!mobile is a new company with brick-and-mortar stores offering lower prices than the Big Three. That being said, there is no English support offered, and the devices offered are not as varied as the Big Three and only offer iPhone 5s. SIM-only contracts are also offered through Y!mobile, and cost between JPY 3,000 and 6,000 depending on the data plan chosen (additional calling charges apply unless the unlimited calling plan is added).

*For SIM-only contracts, please check to make sure your device is unlocked and supported by Y!mobile in advance.

Low Cost SIM-only Options

In 2014, Japan established a “mobile virtual network operator” or MVNO market, to encourage competition. Since then, many MVNO companies have been established which use a larger provider’s network and offer more reasonable plans.

These companies also offer data only SIMs as well, however the details below relate to SIM offerings which include a calling function.

Advantages

Low monthly service cost

Ability to use a phone from overseas provided it is unlocked and supported

IIJmio SIMs can be purchased and contracted at select Bic Camera stores and Aeon Shopping malls.

There is an option for unlimited domestic calls up to up to 3 minutes for JPY 600+tax/month, or 5 minutes for JPY 830+tax/month. However, it requires using a special application in Japanese or entering “0037-691” in front of every number you dial.

Contracts are for 6 months.

OCN SIMs can be purchased and contracted at select Yodobashi Camera and BIC Camera stores.

Family-Share: SIMs can be added to use the same data for JPY 1,100+tax per additional SIM.

English Customer Service: 0120-506-506 (press 8 once you hear the guidance voice)

* Data cap is for high-speed data. If you go over the cap, in general your speed is just reduced to 200kbps until the next monthly cycle.

* Every effort has been taken for accuracy; however, please contact the companies directly for confirmed/updated costs.

*For SIM-only contracts, please check to make sure your device is unlocked and supported by the provider in advance.

Things to bring when making a mobile phone service contract:

Residence Card (the visa term generally must be longer than the contract term to pass screening)

Passport

Credit Card (Japanese bank cash cards can sometimes be presented instead, but often stores will ask for a credit card to register with the account – normally the method of payment can be changed to bank withdrawal later on)

Mobile Device, if using an existing device which is SIM-free/unlocked and supported by the Japanese carrier

*Relo Japan does not endorse any companies/services listed. Please check terms with each company for accuracy.